Yellowstone’s summer season is winding down, but there are still quite a few campgrounds and lodges open for business—not to mention all roads are still open for the season. That said, you don’t want to get your heart set on a specific campground or hotel just to find out it’s closed for the season when you arrive! If you’re planning a fall visit to the world’s first national park, keep the following closing dates in mind:

Fall Road Closing Dates

October 15: Tower Fall to Canyon (Dunraven Pass). Beartooth Highway (US 212 to Red Lodge, MT)
November 4: All roads close at 8 am except the road between the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) and the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, MT).

Fall Campground Closing Dates

September 9: Indian Creek Campground
September 15: Grant Village Campground
September 22: Bridge Bay, Canyon Campgrounds
September 29: Norris, Tower Fall, Pebble Creek Campgrounds
October 15: Slough Creek Campground
October 20: Madison Campground
November 3: Lewis Lake Campground
Open Year Round: Mammoth Campground
Closed for the 2019 Season: Fishing Bridge RV Park

Fall Lodging Closing Dates

September 2: Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins
September 22: Lake Lodge and Cabins
September 29: Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, Grant Village Lodge
October 7: Lake Hotel and Cabins, Old Faithful Inn
October 13: Canyon Lodge, Mammoth Hot Springs Cabins
November 3: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge

A Few More Fall Planning Tips

For more lodging convenient to Yellowstone National Park, check out the Gardiner, Montana lodging directory. We’re just minutes from the park’s North Entrance and offer a wide variety of dining, lodging, services, and activities in the fall months.

Yellowstone’s Northern Range—which includes the road from Gardiner to Mammoth Hot Springs and on to Cooke City—is open year-round to private vehicles. There are plenty of things to do all year long on the Northern Range; click here for a guide to this lesser-traveled, wildlife-rich region of Yellowstone National Park.

Fall weather in the Rocky Mountains is usually characterized by crisp, cold mornings and cool to mild afternoons, but the weather can change quickly this time of year. Keep an eye on all park road conditions or call the Gardiner Montana Visitor Information Center at 406-848-7971.

Experience world-class culture amidst the stunning backdrop of Montana’s natural beauty! The Yellowstone International Arts Festival features the best of the classical performing arts, indigenous tribes, and cultural traditions from around the world. Events include the "Fairy Tea for the Arts - Waters of Life" on ‪July 11th, Yellowstone International Arts Festival - Feel the Freedom" performance ‪on August 2nd.

The Yellowstone International Arts Festival was founded by the "most influential ballet family of our time," (London dance critic Graham Watts, April 2019) who were born and raised in Montana, and now work professionally around the world. It is produced by the non-profit Youth Arts in Action, a 501c3 which has been serving Montanans for more than 17 years, with an emphasis on youth and arts education.

Past highlights have included dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, Russia, Mikhailovsky Theatre, Russia, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Italy, San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. International Cellist, Opera Singer, & Musicians from Germany, London and Russia, Native American Fancy Dancers. Young Montana talent from Vagonova Ballet Academy, Russia, English National Ballet School in London, Manhattan School of Music in NYC and Crossroads School for Arts & Science.

Tickets: www.YellowstoneInternationalArtsFestival.Org

Sunday, July 11, 2023 - 2-4 pm - "Fairy Tea for the Arts - Treasures of Life"

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023, - 8 pm - "Yellowstone International Arts Festival "

Is a family trip to the world’s first national park on your list of must-do summer activities? If you ask us here at the Gardiner Visitor Center, it should be! With spouting geysers, thundering herds of bison, and over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, there’s something everyone in the family can get excited about in Yellowstone National Park. While packing up the family and heading for the great outdoors can be a little daunting, arming yourselves with these handy tips will ensure a family vacation everyone will be talking about for years to come.

Before You Go

Plan Your Lodging Ahead of Time

If you’re planning on visiting Yellowstone between June and September (peak season) you’ll want to make your reservations well in advance. That means booking your lodging at least six months ahead of time if you can, especially if you want to stay inside park boundaries. If you plan on camping, you can make reservations in advance for any campground operated by Yellowstone National Park Lodges. The seven campgrounds operated by the National Park Service are first come, first served, and often fill by late morning.

Pack for a Range of Weather Conditions

When it comes to packing, keep in mind that weather in Yellowstone and elsewhere in the intermountain west can be unpredictable. In the summer, expect daytime temperatures around 70oF (25oC) and significantly cooler nights—temperatures may drop below freezing at higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Check out this handy packing list from our friends at Yellowstone National Park Lodges for tips on what to bring to make sure you’re comfortable during your stay.

Book Your Activities in Advance

There are plenty of guided activities that are perfect for families in Yellowstone National Park, including wildlife watching safaris, horseback riding excursions, or guided hikes. Many guides here in Gardiner allow you to book in advance online. Click here to start exploring an array of guided activities.

When You Arrive

After you’ve checked into your accommodations and are ready for your first day in the park, be sure to stop by the nearest park Visitor Information Center and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for your kids! This self-guided program is designed for visitors ages 4 and up and is the perfect way to introduce children—and the young at heart—to the wonders of the park. A spiffy Junior Ranger patch is awarded to anyone who completes the requirements. You might also want to ask for a schedule of ranger-led programs, which can focus on anything from wildlife to waterfall hikes to drawing workshops.

Choose Your Adventures

Now that you’re oriented to the park, it’s time to choose your adventure! Here are just a few ideas depending on the ages and interests of your family members:

If Your Kids Want to See Geysers

With more than 10,000 thermal features in Yellowstone National Park, your choices are endless! Kids especially love the bizarre sights and sounds at Mud Volcano near Hayden Valley. With thermal features bearing names like “Black Dragon Cauldron” and “Dragon’s Mouth Spring”—which sounds like the growling and roaring of a dragon as gasses and steam are released—your kid’s imaginations are sure to run wild at this geothermal attraction. Other favorites include Norris Geyser Basin between Mammoth and Madison, where Steamboat Geyser—the world’s tallest geyser—has been making more regular eruptions. Finally, it’s worth the short (but steep) hike to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook on the Fairy Falls Trail near Midway Geyser Basin, where your family can fully appreciate the sheer size and rainbow of colors that make up the largest hot springs in North America.

If Your Kids Want to See Wolves and Bears

They’re in luck! Yellowstone is home to one of the largest concentrations of large carnivores in the lower 48 states. Be sure to rise early and take a drive through the Northern Range and the Lamar Valley in the northeast section of the park. Keep an eye out for clumsy black bear cubs near Tower Junction and grizzlies in the meadows of Lamar Valley. Continue over Dunraven Pass and on to Hayden Valley for more chances of glimpsing the park’s charismatic carnivores. For best results, hire an experienced wildlife guide who will do the planning, driving, and spotting for you.

If Your Kids Want to Hit the Trail

For kid-friendly hikes in Yellowstone, check out the Beaver Ponds Loop near Mammoth, lovely Trout Lake in the park’s forested northeast corner, or Fairy Falls near Midway Geyser Basin. For the older and bolder, more challenging hikes include Mount Washburn atop Dunraven Pass and Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Hot Springs. No matter where you choose to hike, be sure to brush up on your bear safety tips and rent or purchase bear spray before you hit the trail.

If Your Kids (Or the Adults!) Need a Break

Yellowstone is a huge park and the days can get long! When you and your family need a little downtime, we recommend enjoying some relaxing scenic drives at places like Firehole Canyon Drive. Located just after the Madison Junction, Firehole Canyon is a beautiful drive along the Firehole River. A waterfall and popular swim hole are just some of the stops before this side trip meets back up with the Grand Loop Road.

If you need some time out of the car, stop by a Visitor Information Center—our favorites include the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs and the Canyon Visitor Education Center in Canyon Village—and spend some time learning about fascinating natural wonders in the park through interactive displays. Finally, it never hurts to stop by one of the many soda fountains at the park villages and grab some ice cream!

Other Handy Tips

1. Tap into technology: No matter what route you go with, you’re going to end up spending quite a bit of time in the car as you drive from attraction to attraction. Keep the kids entertained in the car with a self-guided tour called Gaper Guides, which can be picked up at the Yellowstone Perk in Gardiner, Montana. The National Park Service has also created several educational apps you can download before you head into the park.

2. Play some roadtrip games. In addition to Junior Ranger Booklets, you can also engage the kids with car games like Yellowstone Wildlife Bingo or take turns reading some Yellowstone Trivia.

3. Yellowstone can be dangerous. Wildlife encounters; geysers and hot springs; and cold, fast-moving water pose risks to Yellowstone visitors. Learn how to protect yourself and the park before you visit.

4. Pack plenty of layers and snacks! The distance between park villages—and amenities like restaurants and shops—can be few and far between. It’s a good idea to come prepared with snacks, water, and extra layers like raincoats and fleeces or sweatshirts.

5. Cell phone service will be limited. Grab a park map from the visitor center when you arrive and be prepared to do some navigating without the help of your GPS app. Most visitor centers—including the Gardiner Visitor Information Center at the park’s North Entrance—have free wifi if you need to connect.

6. Download our offical guide. Looking for more trip-planning inspiration? Download our official visitor's guide.

 Grand Prismatic Spring photo courtesy of the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce. All others courtesy of the Yellowstone National Park Service.

The historic Murray Hotel in downtown Livingston! With twenty-five rooms and suites, every room has its own style to make each more inviting and memorable!  Each accommodation has its own bathroom, modern heating/cooling amenities, and access to the hotel's WiFi network.  Suites have more space, the majority having a sitting area for relaxing and a kitchenette for sharing a coffee in the morning or some wine at night. We take great pride in the decor which focuses on providing warmth and comfort for those who stay here but still maintains a nod to Livingston's heyday of the easy-going cowboys in the Wild Wild West.

Upriver Yellowstone Cabin has welcomed Yellowstone National Park visitors since the 1970s and a recent renovation has made staying here an even greater pleasure! We are located on the banks of the mighty Yellowstone River and on the north boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Our acreage is our third-generation family home and we love sharing our amazing view, quiet sanctuary, and knowledge of the area with others.

The cabin features a sleeping porch (napping paradise), a deck with a view of the river and Electric Peak, and a beachside location that allows for fishing, campfires, and rest. Inside, you’ll find antiques and family treasures with a fully stocked kitchen and bar, a sitting area with DISH television and Wifi, and a full bath. Upstairs, the loft has room for four with a queen bed and two built-in twin bunks. We worked with a local craftsman to create some special touches using local driftwood and artistic design.

We will greet you with some of Charissa’s homemade treats and can help you plan everything from fishing guides to restaurant reservations. Join an evening campfire for classic s’mores or pick up a Montana fishing license to take advantage of our world-class waters.

The north entrance of Yellowstone National Park is minutes away and we can help you see the highlights, avoid the crowds, and get off the beaten path. Yellowstone is a wonderland and we love sharing it with others.

Worn out after a long day in the park? Let us help you plan a “town day” of antiquing, independent bookstores, great coffee, and craft beer.

Or just do nothing at all and stare at Electric Peak while you listen to the river song.

For more information, visit our website: upriveryellowstone.com

Welcome to Yellowstone Roughriders! We are a woman owned and operated outfitter based out of Gardiner, MT.

We offer half-day and full-day horseback rides, plus overnight pack trips throughout Yellowstone’s backcountry.

Your adventure awaits at the trailhead! We look forward to riding with you!

Mild spring weather, snow-capped peaks, and hundreds of hooves pounding dusty roads—these are the sights and sounds of Memorial Day weekend in Gardiner, Montana, where the annual Hell’s A-Roarin’ Horse Drive takes place each year.

“Since 1982 we have driven our horses through town and up to our ranch,” explains Susan Johnson, co-owner of Hell’s A-Roarin’ Outfitters along with her husband Warren. “We first did it because we didn't own a horse trailer. A semi would drop them at the rodeo grounds, and this was the only way to get them home. Folks in town always enjoyed watching.”

Since then, Hell’s A-Roarin’ Outfitters kicks off the summer season by driving the herd to their summer location in Jardine, Montana, 9 miles north of Gardiner. The drive begins at the Gardiner Rodeo Grounds and continues up the Jardine Road until it reaches the Hell’s A-Roarin’ Ranch. A barbeque dinner, raffle and auction, dancing, and live music round out the annual event.

In 2013, thanks to its popularity and ability to bring the community together, the Drive became a way to raise funds for nonprofit organizations in the Gardiner area. Past proceeds have benefitted the Gardiner Food Pantry, Park County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, and the Gardiner Rodeo. This year proceeds will be used to purchase an Action Trackchair for a disabled Montana Veteran.

“Each year a committee of five votes on a cause to raise money for,” says Johnson. “When we decided last year to buy a Track Chair for a disabled veteran, we had overwhelming support. So, we decided from now on, this is what the Horse Drive will stand for—veterans and first responders.”

This year’s Horse Drive will take place on Saturday, May 25. Spectators will have the opportunity to view the horses at the Gardiner Rodeo Grounds from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. At 1 p.m., the horses will leave the rodeo grounds and the outfitters will drive all 300 animals through Scott Street in downtown Gardiner. The fun doesn’t stop there, Johnson says.

“The venue this year is under big tents at the Jardine Rodeo Grounds. We have the Fall River boys, playing first, then Adrian Buckaroogirl, then Wylie and the Wild West will play for the dance. In the meantime, we have a woman bronc rider, an art auction with over 60 pieces of original art and amazing raffle prizes!”

A celebration of the town’s western heritage and connection to the land, the Horse Drive perfectly embodies Gardiner’s generosity and sense of community. And thanks to the event’s unique quality, the Drive has begun attracting spectators from far beyond the Gardiner area.

“Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger,” Johnson says. “Folks from all over the country are stepping up to make a veterans life more livable. This is all about folks caring for those that fight for our country and make us safer!”

Tickets for this year’s Drive will be sold at the gate and are $25 for adults and $20 for kids 16 and under. Learn more at www.hellsaroarinhorsedrive.com.

Photos courtesy of Jean Modesette.

Welcome to the 406, Gardiner's newest boutique hotel.

The 406 Lodge was built by the Knight family, breaking ground in 2018 and grand opening in spring 2019.

We welcome you to relax and experience one of our uniquely themed and decorated suites.

From the Yellowstone Suite to our River Suite, the lodge has been furnished with history, from the headboards that were made by the Knights out of barn wood from their great-great grandmother’s barn in Georgia to the mirrors that were salvaged from Canyon Village and restored by the family.

Come see the breathtaking views, abundant wildlife and nature at its best.

On behalf of The Knight Family we would like to welcome ya’ll to The 406!

- Donald and Gina

This time of year, Gardiner and northern Yellowstone visitors and residents are faced with a “choose your own adventure” dilemma...to ski or to hike? (Talk about a good problem to have!) And while we’re all about embracing spring ski conditions, this time we’re bringing you five lower elevation, generally drier hikes that are ideal for the entire family—and some for your pup too.

1. Lava Creek Trail

Where: Across the road from the Lava Creek Picnic Area on the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone National Park.
Distance: Four miles one-way (consider a shuttle) or eight miles out and back. It’s ok to turn around whenever you please, though, as the views and opportunities for exploration make this well worth the trip regardless of distance.
Dog-friendly: No
Restrooms: Pit toilets at Lava Creek Picnic Area.
Bear Spray: Yes
Highlights: Abundant wildlife including elk, bison, pronghorn, and mule deer, as well as pleasant views of Lava Creek and Mount Everts. Early spring wildflowers also decorate the trail this time of year (look but don’t pick!) and a short detour will give you a beautiful view of Undine Falls.
Other Considerations: The Yellowstone National Park entrance fee applies when traveling to this trailhead from outside the park.

2. The OTO Ranch via Cedar Creek Trailhead

Where: Highway 89 approximately 10 miles north of Gardiner, Montana. From Gardiner, drive north for 10 miles and turn right on (follow signs for Cedar Creek Trailhead) and follow the narrow dirt road to the end to reach the trailhead.
Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip.
Dog-friendly: Yes
Restrooms: No. The closest facilities can be found in Gardiner, Montana, or along the various fishing accesses lining Highway 89 (pit toilets only).
Bear Spray: Yes.
Highlights: This gem of a hike heads into Custer Gallatin National Forest land to the first and oldest dude ranch in Montana. Thanks to the efforts of primarily volunteers, you can explore the restored buildings of the ranch, or picnic in the adjacent meadows (or right on the porch of the old lodge—our favorite spot). Return the way you came for gorgeous views of Electric Peak and the Gallatin Mountains.

3. Wraith Falls

Where: Eight miles east of Mammoth Hot Springs and 0.5 miles east of Lava Creek Picnic Area on Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Loop Road. Park at the trailhead on the right.
Distance: One mile round trip.
Dog-friendly: No
Restrooms: The closest facilities are pit toilets located at the Lava Creek Picnic Area just west of the trailhead.
Bear Spray: Yes
Highlights: This is an easy-going Yellowstone National Park hike with a big payoff—local toddlers have been known to tackle this one. Early spring wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and beautiful views of Wraith Falls make this a fun and rewarding Northern Range pick.
Other Considerations: The Yellowstone National Park entrance fee applies when traveling to this trailhead from outside the park

4. Beaver Ponds Loop

Where: Mammoth Hot Springs behind the Mammoth cabins. Inquire at the Albright Visitor Center for precise directions.
Distance: Four miles round-trip (or shorter or longer depending on your turnaround point).
Dog-friendly: No
Bear spray: Yes
Restrooms: Mammoth Hot Springs
Highlights: This loop trail winds through sagebrush meadows and mature trees, and offers a birds-eye-view of Mammoth Hot Springs. Several pleasant beaver ponds mark the halfway point of the loop. Keep an eye out for water birds, elk, bears, mule deer, pronghorn and moose.

5. Pine Creek Falls

Where: The trailhead begins at Pine Creek Campground, 17 miles south of Livingston, Montana.
Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip
Dog-friendly: Yes
Restrooms: Pit toilets
Bear spray: Yes
Highlights: Located in the foothills of the Abasaroka Mountains in Paradise Valley, this well-maintained trail might be described as a remote and incredibly scenic dog park (but don’t worry, most of the hikers are extremely courteous when it comes to their pets!) Think mature forest, a babbling brook perfect for streamside exploration, and of course Pine Creek Falls as your reward when you reach the end.
Other Considerations: When summer rolls around, more adventurous hikers can continue on the same trail past the falls for four more miles. Though steep and fairly strenuous, the views of Pine Creek Lake at end of the trail are worth the effort.

What did we miss? Do you have a favorite spring hike around Gardiner this time of year? Be sure to tag your favorites and other spring adventures with #VisitGardinerMT!

Other Resources

More Gardiner Hiking Ideas
Bear Safety
Hire a Hiking Guide
Top 10 Hikes on Yellowstone's Northern Range

Throughout the months of May and June, a unique and wonderful phenomenon will take place here at nature’s favorite entrance to Yellowstone National Park—baby animals begin to arrive! Gardiner and the Northern Range become a vibrant and playful place of tumbling bear cubs, leaping bighorn lambs, and bucking bison calves, just to name a few.

To celebrate, we’ve rounded up images of some of the most popular spring babies in Gardiner and Yellowstone, along with when you can expect their arrival and tips on where to spot them.

But before we get too far remember, give wildlife room to roam! Wild animals are dangerous if you get too close. People have been injured or killed by bears, bison, and elk. Always maintain a minimum of 25 yards (23 m) from all wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Learn how to watch wildlife safety and travel safely in bear country.

Bison Calves

Bison calves are one of the first youngsters to make an appearance along the green hills of the Northern Range. Possibly the most iconic of all Yellowstone’s little ones, bison calves were once thought to resemble cocker spaniels by early park visitors and were given the name “red dogs” for their rust-colored coats. The name has stuck! Red dogs are best spotted near the North Entrance around Gardiner, Montana, and in the Lamar, Madison River, and Hayden valleys in Yellowstone.

Bighorn Sheep Lambs

Born in May and June, bighorn lambs are both adorable and talented climbers. Look for them engaging in playful fights on the cliffs in the Tower area, the Gardner Canyon near the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and along the Yellowstone River near Calcite Springs on the Yellowstone Northern Range.

Bear Cubs

Black and grizzly bear cubs are born in mid-January and early February but won’t emerge from their dens for another two months while they nurse and sleep. Black bear cubs are most commonly seen starting in May in the Mammoth and Tower areas, while grizzly bear cubs might be spotted between Norris and Canyon, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and Swan Lake Flats. Not sure how to tell the difference between the two? Here’s an explanation from the Yellowstone National Park Service.

Elk Calves

Elk calves arrive a little later in the season, in May and June. The spotted youngsters have very little scent at birth, and therefore spend most of their time bedded down, fiercely protected by their mothers. Visitors have been injured by mothers, so it's extremely important to be aware of your surroundings and stay the recommended distance of at least 25 yards from calves. You can find them in the Mammoth area, along the Northern Range, right in town in Gardiner, Montana, and in Paradise Valley just north of Gardiner.

Pronghorn Fawns

Pronghorn fawns arrive on the scene in May or June—usually as a set of twins. As natural sprinters, baby pronghorn can walk within 30 minutes of birth and can outrun a human within a couple days. Keep an eye out for pronghorn nursery herds—a group of several females and their youngsters—in the Lamar Valley and near the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana.

Wolf Pups

Yellowstone’s Northern Range is arguably one of the best places in the world to watch wolves. Female wolves give birth to an average of five pups in April in their dens. Packs will remain at the den for 3-10 weeks after birth; the pups will typically emerge at 10-14 days old. Look for them all along the Northern Range, such as Slough Creek and in the Lamar Valley.

And with that, it’s time to grab the big lens, practice safe wildlife viewing, and don’t be too embarrassed if—while standing in a crowd of about 30 other visitors—that cliché' sentiment, “Awwww….look at the baby!” comes tumbling out of your mouth. It’s happened before. And really, everyone gets it.

Other Tips

Tips for Visiting Yellowstone in the Spring

All photos courtesy of the Yellowstone National Park Service.